The articles collected here are intended to inform parents of all the theoretical and practical considerations involved in initiating and maintaining second language instruction, specifically in French, for the child. Topics covered include: (1) descriptions of types of second language programs; (2) teaching methods; (3) results of research on the…

The theoretical foundations and research findings concerning sheltered French and English classes at the University of Ottawa, and an application of this model is examined as a means of ensuring better implementation and coordination of secondary French immersion programs. Quality of instruction and teaching strategies are emphasized. (18…

At Concordia College's Institute of German Studies (Minnesota), an immersion program, a 1-month course entitled "German in the Business World" concentrates on development of written and oral communication skills needed in firms dealing with German-speakers. As part of its emphasis on banking, insurance, and business, the course includes…

As part of a quiet revolution, language immersion has been important in establishing confidence in the creation of bilingualism through education. The momentum of this movement can be maintained through improvements in French immersion, core French, emphasis on minority and foreign languages, and a new approach to university language curriculum.…

A discussion of the use of science activities as a technique for second language instruction focuses on its application in both immersion and more traditional pull-out programs in the elementary school. First, a rationale for the use of hands-on science experiences in grade school second language classes is presented, noting the value of the…

A second language program developed at Wilson College (Chambersburg, Pennsylvania) with a federal grant uses the Rassias Method of theatrical, dramatic language saturation. In the first application of the program at the college, peer tutors (who would be assistant teachers in the subsequent immersion program) were trained in a three-day workshop.…

Drawing on a 1993 study of four students in a late French immersion program in Australia and findings from a 1991 study, the report looks at three areas: students' response to the learning context, including its more and less helpful characteristics; the experiences students consider most important for learning the language, including those…

The 12-week program described here was designed to improve a Hebrew language immersion class' ability to correctly use the simple past and present tenses. The target group was a sixth-grade class that achieved a 65.68 percent error-free rate on a pre-test; the project's objective was to achieve 90 percent error free tests, using student…

The potential impact of French immersion programs on English-language universities in Canada is discussed, including the demands of increasing numbers of immersion graduates for expanded, nontraditional French-language offerings. Applications of the immersion approach to university-level second language instruction are classified, particularly…

This guide to secondary school French reading instruction addresses a variety of general and specific instructional issues. An introductory chapter discusses program objectives, minimum program requirements, and the population to be taught. The second chapter looks at theoretical aspects of the development of reading ability: current thoughts on…

The manual provides information to assist secondary school level program and curriculum designers in the creation and administration of second language programs. It is not a how-to manual, but includes descriptive data about program types in existence and criteria for evaluating language proficiency. It contains: a list of terms used and their…

The manual provides information to assist elementary school level program and curriculum designers in the creation and administration of second language programs. It is not a how-to manual, but includes descriptive data about program types in existence and criteria for evaluating language proficiency. It contains: a list of terms used and their…

The partial immersion program at Key Elementary School (Arlington, Virginia), where half the day is taught in English and half in Spanish, continued to be successful in its eighth year. Reasons for success include: dedication and in-depth understanding of immersion philosophy among principal, coordinator, teachers, and staff; innovations in both…

Canadian research relevant to French immersion program development in Ontario is reviewed and summarized. The review includes studies on six program or instructional aspects: (1) attitudes and motivation of immersion students and parents; (2) achievement of immersion students in English language arts and other subjects; (3) French proficiency and…

The partial immersion program at Key Elementary School (Arlington, Virginia), where half the day is taught in English and half in Spanish, continued to be successful in its ninth year. Reasons for success include: dedication and in-depth understanding of immersion philosophy among principal, coordinator, teachers, and staff; innovations in both…